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EICMA: Moto Morini 9 1/2
The name 9 12 is an homage to the legendary 312 twin cylinder
of the 1970s. However, it is also acknowledgement of a common
thread running between two projects separated in time. The 912
in fact is the motorcycle whose style, rational design and technological
innovation most closely interpret the spirit of that Morini machine.
The easy handling, the rational approach to the technical solutions
and their efficiency as a result are features that both motorcycles
share and that are undeniably a part of Moto Morini's DNA.
Style
How do we define the 912? A tourer, a naked sport bike, or
a motorcycle for daily transportation and city use? The 912 is
all three: it is an elegant road bike with a sporty soul featuring
a powerful 1187 cc engine mounted on a tubular trellis frame,
evolution of the Corsaro, sport bike par excellence. Those two
elements fuse to guarantee a dynamism and lightness completely
unfamiliar to the competition. But the 912 is also an extremely
comfortable bike for both rider and passenger, thanks to a virtually
perfect riding position, a low seat ensuring comfort for both
and the shape of the tank, which is protective and accommodating.
All features that, along with its accessorizing possibilities,
make the 912 a bike suited for touring. Agile, manageable, easy
to ride, the 912 can also provide the solution for everyday manoeuvring
in city traffic.
Design and Functionality
The bike's aesthetics, the product of Marabese Design, exudes
a purity of great appeal. The main element of the motorcycle
is the high-capacity tank (21 litres) which stands out for its
volume and aesthetic impact. The recesses for the legs are roomy
and the concave form in the lower part lightens its appearance,
lending it a distinct personality from a frontal view. Its upper
part features a clean surface that has been inserted with strips
called "braces" that form a perfect arch. The wide
seat practically fuses into the light tail, making it seem one
piece, and the colour choices only add to the sensation. Its
shape and covering guarantee total comfort and prevent the passenger
from slipping forward when the bike brakes. The technical base
is totally exposed and is exclusive for the 912: the frame features
an innovative heavily reinforced rear to accommodate a cantilever
side shock absorber combined with a strong swing arm with oval-sectioned
tubes. The rear of the bike unites visual lightness with utter
rigidity both in terms of stability and load capacity. On the
righthand side the single silencer, fully reflecting Moto Morini
styling, is thermally insulated to an optimum degree. Equally
robust is the front of the bike marked by a solid 50 mm fork
with increased travel. A high priority has been given to ergonomic
features to ensure maximum comfort for the rider and passenger;
the high handlebar, the comfortable, spacious seat, the tank
that comfortably fits the legs and the position of the rubber-coated
footpegs ensure a snug riding position.
Components have been selected to create a blend of contrasts
that add to making the 912 a motorbike of exceptional character:
the strength of the trellis frame and the elegance of the two-toned
tank; the refinement of the spoked rims juxtaposed with the force
of the Brembo 320 mm brake system to ensure power and modulation;
the muscular Marzocchi fork with 50 mm legs and the use of the
cantilever lateral suspension by Paioli with piggy back reservoir;
and the totally round front headlamp contrasting with a more
hi-tech led tail light.
The Bialbero Corsacorta Twin Cylinder Engine
The 912 is a large-displacement road bike mounted with the 1187
cc Bialbero CorsaCorta twin-cylinder engine that develops 117
Hp at 8500 rpm. The engine's layout is compact, strongly characterised
by the 87° V layout of the cylinders and by the innovative
solution of the integral casing. Compared to traditional solutions,
it offers diverse advantages: the stiffness of the whole makes
the engine a load- bearing element, serving to simplify the layout
of the frame; the ease in assembling and disassembling means
that work can be done on the engine both during production and
servicing (for example, the lower part of the engine can be opened
to give access to the gearbox and crankshaft without the need
to disassemble heads from the casing); the pistons and cylinders
can be disassembled without opening the casing by using the lateral
openings; and there is no longer the need to join the two semi-casings,
typical of motorbike engines, which translates into huge benefits
for production, service and the cost of spare parts.
The engine by Franco Lambertini has been specially conceived
for this bike and vaunts thermodynamic features different from
those of the twin-cylinder engine designed for the Corsaro. Efforts
were made to reduce the intake pipes and the diameter of the
valves and to upgrade engine timing, while the compression ratio
was increased to improve the progression at low rpm and reduce
fuel consumption. The result is a powerful engine -- 86 kW with
117 Hp at 8500 rpm -- with a high torque 102 Nm with 10.4
Kgm at 6700 rpm -- well distributed over the whole rpm range,
one that while maintaining a sporty soul, adapts ideally to the
characteristics of the vehicle, enhancing handling rather than
pushing performance to extremes. The exhaust system with a single
lateral silencer under the seat meets Euro 3 emission standards.
Frame
Core of the chassis is the trellis frame in high-strength
tubular steel by Verlicchi based on an exclusive design by Moto
Morini. The structure offers unparalleled solidity which has
been additionally stiffened in the rear part of the subframe,
a stiffness required for adopting the solution of the cantilever
lateral suspension. The values normally assigned to wheelbase,
steering rake and trail are compact, especially considering the
fact that we're talking about a bike with a 1200 cc engine capacity.
Because of the harmony achieved in the tuning of the components,
the product of this "alchemy" is immediately perceived
from the outset: the weight, already reduced to just 198 kg in
running order, magically disappears once the bike is in movement
and the swift response during cornering never produces undesired
instability, even at the highest speeds.
Swingarm and Suspension
The function of the frame is assisted by top-flight suspensions.
At front is a mighty Marzocchi Magnum with 50 mm diameter legs,
with exclusive lightweight plates in light alloy. The visual
solidity reflects a likewise solid performance, ready to conform
to the smallest bumps on the road or respond to the hardest braking.
The rear fits a powerful swingarm, made with a 150 mm diameter
oval-sectioned tube, aided by a suspension with piggy back reservoir,
fully adjustable in rebound and compression.
Rims
Excel spoked rims with aluminium alloy channel enable mounting
of tubeless tyres for travel in maximum safety.
Brake System
The Brembo systems we have chosen guarantee powerful, progressive
braking, allowing the rider to develop a heightened sensitivity
and master this challenging part of the ride. The pair of 320
mm semi-floating discs at front is operated by axial callipers
with four pistons with differentiated diameter, a solution that
responds to a specific technical requirement to provide
safety through great modulating capacity and sheer power. Too
often racing systems that are transferred to road bikes produce
reactions that are abrupt and difficult to control, especially
on roads open to traffic and on surfaces offering poor grip.
CPU and Electrical System
While representing Italian mechanics at their best, the 912
reflects the giant steps made in the field of electronics. The
CAN line serves to transfer the information between the Magneti
Marelli engine control unit, the fully equipped instrument panel
with onboard computer and the latest generation sensors. Included
among the functions of the instrumentation, the rider can refer
to two different trip meters, including average speed and lap
time, but also check outside temperature, engaged gear, clock
and maintenance intervals. Starting is automatic: just a short
press of the button gives the cue to the CPU to start the electric
motor until the V-twin comes to life. Even the old lever of the
starter is a distant memory thanks to the sophisticated mixture
enrichment system controlled by the stepper motor in response
to the climactic conditions. Notwithstanding this, technology
is never invasive: the rider never loses control of the situation
and even from an aesthetic standpoint, the cables disappear from
view and most components are neatly ordered in the under-seat
compartment. Both the strong front headlamp and the led one in
the back turn on automatically upon starting in accordance with
the most recent road rules.
Tank
The fuel tank, with its prestigious two-toned finish echoing
the glorious Morinis of yesteryear, is built in shock-proof nylon.
With a 21 litre capacity, it can be lifted to permit access to
the large filter box underneath.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system gives an unmistakable look to the bike
thanks to the Termignoni silencer and its powerful sound. Aesthetics
aside, however, meticulous design matched with closed loop technology
with three-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor has resulted
in emissions that fall under the limits established by the rigid
Euro 3 standards.
Accessories
Moto Morini Competizione, the catalogue of Moto Morini accessories,
devotes a range of items to the 912 to make the ride more enjoyable:
· Windshield kit that integrates ideally with the bike's
styling and provides protection at all speeds without compromising
stability;
· Expandable side panniers in tough fabric. Different
sizes, the largest expands enough to hold a full-face helmet
and has a capacity of 25 litres;
· Tank bag complete with handle for use as luggage and
with straps to turn it into a backpack, 26 litre capacity;
· Rear case in expandable tough fabric;
· Tank cover embroidered with the Moto Morini logo;
· Passenger handles, a sure grip when travelling in two.
· Clothing: Helmets based on full-face and Jet Arai products
with 912 hand painted graphics, and on request personalised with
the customer's data;
· Leather and fabric jackets, embroidered sweatshirts,
T-shirts with prints, gloves with protections and embroidery.
Colours
The 912 comes in two colour versions: black/red with red frame
and black/silver with black frame.
Technical Specifications Moto Morini 9 1/2
Make MOTO MORINI
Model 9 12
Engine
Engine Moto Morini Bialbero CorsaCorta
Cylinders 2
Layout 87° V longitudinal
Strokes 4
Cooling Liquid cooled
Timing system Double overhead camshaft
Valves per cylinder 4
Bore x stroke 107 x 66 mm / 4,21 x 2,59 inch
Displacement 1187 cc
Compression ratio 12.5:1
Power 86 Kw 117 HP @ 8500 rpm
Torque 102 Nm 10.4 Kgm @ 6700 rpm
Fuel system Magneti Marelli indirect electronic injection with
54 mm / 2,12 inch Ø throttle body
Ignition I.A.W. electronic
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced with trochoidal pump
Gearbox With constant mesh spur gears
Gear ratio 6
In first 13/36
In second 17/32
In third 20/30
In fourth 22/28
In fifth 23/26
In sixth 24/25
Clutch Wet, multiplate type
Primary drive Spur gears 55:31
Final drive Chain 17/40
Exhaust Silencer, 3-way catalytic converter with oxygen sensor
Emissions control Euro 3
Chassis
Frame Verlicchi high-strength steel tube trellis frame
Wheelbase 1470 mm / 57,87 inch
Headstock rake 24.5°
Rake 100 mm / 3,93 inch
Front suspension Marzocchi upside-down fork with 50 mm / 1,96
inch Ø legs
Front wheel travel 150 mm / 5,90 inch
Swing arm Oval steel tube
Rear suspension Single lateral shock absorber with fully adjustable
piggy back tank
Rear wheel travel 150 mm / 5,90 inch
Front brake Brembo 320 mm / 12,59 inch double disc with 4- piston
callipers
Rear brake Brembo 220 mm / 8,66 inch single disc with 2-piston
calliper
Front tire 120/70 Tubeless
Rear tire 180/55 R17 Tubeless
Rims Excel spoke rims with aluminium channel
Front rim size MT 3.50 x 17"
Rear rim size MT 5.50 x 17"
Measures and Weights
Total length 2170 mm / 85,43 inch
Max. width 865 mm / 34,05 inch (excluding rear-view mirrors)
Seat height 800 mm / 31,49 inch
Min. height from ground 162 mm / 6,37 inch
Steering angle 34° rh/lh
Dry weight 198 Kg / 440 lbs (Moto Morini indicates the weight
of the motorcycle complete with battery, cooling liquid, engine
oil and without fuel)
Capacity
Tank capacity 21 litres / 4,62 UK gal
Reserve capacity 4,5 litres / 1 UK gal
Instrumentation
Instrument panel Electronic/analogical rev counter and speedometer
with multifunctional LCD display
Versions
Colours Black/red with black frame Black/silver with
black frame
Warranty 3 years
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